Chanel was long enamored of British menswear, adopting elements from the bespoke suits and sportswear favored by the upper class. The fabric used for this suit is a traditional Glenurquhart plaid, made fashionable by Edward XIII, Prince of Wales, with whom Chanel was acquainted in the 1930s. She meticulously matched the plaid to create a balanced design, using the large check pattern as a striking counterpoint, manipulating it as bias trim around the pockets and buttons. Chanel's refined perfectionism is further demonstrated by the coordinating blouse, which is bias-cut in front for a fitted silhouette while the back is cut on the straight grain to allow for a blouson effect, the soft shape highlighted by a bow at the waistband.

Object Number: 69.161.26

Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology
Seventh Avenue at 27 Street
New York City 10001-5992